Lot 88
John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), 6th President of the United States, Secretary of State under Monroe, Representative from Massachusetts, autograph letter as Ambassador to Russia, completely in his hand, unsigned but the letter bears his wax seal "JQA" and the mailing flap is docketed "Mr. Adams", two pages plus an address panel, 7" x 9", March 26, 1799, John Quincy Adam, as per instruction from President John Adams (his father), kept an eye on European affairs. Here he writes to Mr. Murray, the Ambassador to Holland, expressing his dim view of Lafayette. "I am glad you have seen La F.(ayette) and not surprised that you found him full of the same fanaticism, from which he has already suffered so much, a great part of which however with him, is what it always was, ungovernable ambition in disguise. He is willing to look upon himself as a martyr of liberty, because five years of imprisonment lose almost all their credit and reputation, when they are considered as having been the result of folly or wickedness. here is therefore more address and subtlety in his enthusiasm than you think. His character at least as far as judgment combined with honesty is concerned has long since been irretriveable with thinking men." Adams continues in chatty fashion bringing Murray up to date with the U.S. and world affairs. "Your friend Logan is chosen a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and W. Blount member and Speaker of the State Senate in Tennessee - - I would send you Marshall's published declaration against the Alien and Sedition Laws, but you will doubtless have it before this reaches you." A little aged but quite legible throughout, archival repair to back flap of cover, Very Good.
Estimate 4,000 - 5,000
|
| |
| Unsold |
